Major changes are coming to TV in West Alabama, which could impact the 2026 football season. As of August 1, CBS/42 will be rebranded, and its programming will be affected. According to The Desk, Paramount and Nexstar Media Group are making these changes due to a new broadcasting pact.
Local Impact
WVTM-TV (Channel 13), the NBC programming affiliate for West Alabama, will begin airing some CBS programming. However, it is unclear what will happen to the NBC programming. Nexstar, the owner of WIAT-TV (Channel 42), wants to expand local news in West Alabama. Channel 42 will be affiliated with the CW network after the change.
One possibility is that CBS programming will be moved to a digital side or sub-channel of WVTM-TV, making it difficult for local viewers to find. In 2025, CBS lost the majority of college football games, which are now aired on the SEC Network. However, CBS has signed an agreement to air a few select games in 2026.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.